PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol is an extremely tough and sturdy type of filament. This plastic is great for projects that require a material that is very strong and durable. PETG filament has very minimal shrinkage which makes it good for prints that have large and flat surfaces.
PETG filament is the next step up in strength and durability when it is compared to the PLA and ABS filament types. It is better because not only does it offer more durability, but it is also better in terms of its low shrinkage and provides a smoother finish than the other two filaments.
PETG is an amazing filament to have in your toolbox because it takes everything that’s good about ABS and PLA and mixes them together to make an even better material.
For example:
- PETG filament is similar to that of ABS because they are both strong and sturdy plastics. But unlike ABS, it doesn’t produce a foul and offensive odour which means that you can print it indoors without the need for a lot of ventilation.
- Like PLA, it is a very easy filament to print. But unlike PLA, it is a lot stronger and still remains flexible.
What is PETG Used For?
Seeing as PETG is a very strong and durable plastic, it has its own wide range of uses. It is popular amongst those who print mechanical parts because PETG provides a lot more strength and support than ABS and PLA filaments can.
PETG is a transparent kind of copolyester which makes it great for those who have a bit of a creative side. It is great for printing cool looking jewellery such as rings, bangles, bracelets, collars etc. PETG filament is also used widely for packaging and medical purposes as well as industrial.
This particular filament is food and skin safe; therefore it can be used in medical and culinary applications. In medical applications, it stands up to radiation and chemical sterilization techniques without changing its colour.
PETG is not hygroscopic which means that it does not absorb moisture from the air and it is also chemical resistant.
What are the Recommended Printing Temperatures?
The recommended printing temperatures for PETG filament are between 250 and 280 degrees Celsius. Just like ABS filament, PETG is not prone to warping, so it is not always a requirement to have a heating bed when you are printing with this filament.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using PLA?
As with most things, PETG filament certainly has its disadvantages.
Some of these are:
- Can’t be smoothed or welded with acetone.
- Can become very stringy and can stick to your nozzle.
- May damage nozzles made of brass due to the high printing temperatures.
Some Simple Tips and Tricks To Keep in Mind:
- Always use the fan when you are printing with PETG filament; this is because it helps to cool the filament and help with any retractions.
- If you plan to use a printing bed, then make sure to set the temperature between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius.
- Try to keep your retraction speed down low. 40mm/s or less is recommended.
There is also an excellent video with over 400k views about how to use PETG on youtube. You can find the video below or by following this link.
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/8_adY2K-YIc”]
Where can I find Some Top Quality PETG filament?
Interested in getting your hands on some PETG filament and want to know where you can get some? That one’s easy. Look no further because Go 3D has just what you need. Not ready to pour all your hard earned money into a roll of PETG? Maybe you would like to just try a sample. If so, we have got you covered there too.
When it comes to printing with PETG, your options to let your creativity run wild with are endless and that’s all thanks to the versatility that this particular filament comes with. It is a surprise that it is not the most commonly used filament seeing as it takes everything good about PLA and ABS and brings them together to create an amazing type of printing material.
This is certainly a must-have if you want flexibility as well as strength and durability.
